CVE-2012-0391 — The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter…¶
Key facts
CVE-2012-0391 is a Critical (9.8) vulnerability: The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter…. This entry ships a detection-only PoC and a Docker test lab. It is on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog (added 2022-01-21), confirming active exploitation in the wild.
Actively exploited — on the CISA KEV catalog
CVE-2012-0391 is listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog (added 2022-01-21), confirming exploitation in the wild. Federal remediation deadline: 2022-07-21. Prioritise patching and deploy the detection and prevention rules below.
| CVE | CVE-2012-0391 |
| Severity | Critical (9.8) |
| CISA KEV | Actively exploited (added 2022-01-21) |
| Detection / prevention | — |
| PoC | poc.py |
| Source | 2012/CVE-2012-0391/ |
Details¶
English | 한국어
Description¶
The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter values as OGNL expressions during certain exception handling for mismatched data types of properties, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code via a crafted parameter.
Vulnerability Details¶
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CVE ID | CVE-2012-0391 |
| Type | RCE |
| CVSS Score | 9.8 |
Proof of Concept¶
Download¶
# Download PoC script
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/fankh/vulnerability-poc/main/2012/CVE-2012-0391/poc.py
Usage¶
# Run PoC against target
python3 poc.py --target <TARGET_URL>
# With authentication
python3 poc.py --target <TARGET_URL> --username <USER> --password <PASS>
⚠️ Warning: This PoC is for authorized security testing only. It uses detection-only techniques and does not exploit or damage target systems.
Test Lab¶
This repository includes a Docker-based test environment with both vulnerable and patched applications.
Quick Start¶
# Clone and navigate to CVE directory
cd CVE-2012-0391
# Start both applications
docker-compose up -d
# Run tests
./run-tests.sh # Linux/Mac
./run-tests.ps1 # Windows PowerShell
Application Endpoints¶
| Application | URL | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Vulnerable App | http://localhost:8080 | Shows vulnerability |
| Patched App | http://localhost:8081 | Demonstrates fix |
Directory Structure¶
├── README.md # English documentation
├── README_KO.md # Korean documentation
├── poc.py # PoC detection script
├── docker-compose.yml # Container orchestration
├── run-tests.sh # Linux/Mac test runner
├── run-tests.ps1 # Windows test runner
├── vulnerable-app/ # Vulnerable version
│ ├── app.py
│ ├── Dockerfile
│ └── requirements.txt
└── patched-app/ # Fixed version
├── app.py
├── Dockerfile
└── requirements.txt
References¶
- http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2012-01/0031.html
- http://secunia.com/advisories/47393
- http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-008.html
- http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/version-notes-2311.html
- http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/18329
- https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/WW-3668
- https://www.sec-consult.com/files/20120104-0_Apache_Struts2_Multiple_Critical_Vulnerabilities.txt
- http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/bugtraq/2012-01/0031.html
- http://secunia.com/advisories/47393
- http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/s2-008.html
- http://struts.apache.org/2.x/docs/version-notes-2311.html
- http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/18329
- https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/WW-3668
- https://www.sec-consult.com/files/20120104-0_Apache_Struts2_Multiple_Critical_Vulnerabilities.txt
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2012-0391
Generated by PoC Generator on 2026-07-05T13:27:27.918385007
Frequently asked questions¶
What is CVE-2012-0391?¶
CVE-2012-0391 is a Critical (9.8) vulnerability: The ExceptionDelegator component in Apache Struts before 2.2.3.1 interprets parameter…. This entry ships a detection-only PoC and a Docker test lab. It is on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog (added 2022-01-21), confirming active exploitation in the wild.
How do I detect CVE-2012-0391?¶
Run the detection-only PoC included with this entry against your Docker test lab to confirm whether a target is affected; pair it with your own IDS logging.
How do I block or mitigate CVE-2012-0391?¶
Upgrade to a fixed version per the vendor advisory; the NVD record lists the affected versions. Use the included PoC to verify your remediation.
Is CVE-2012-0391 actively exploited?¶
Yes. CVE-2012-0391 is on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added 2022-01-21, which means it has been exploited in the wild. CISA set a federal remediation deadline of 2022-07-21. Prioritise patching and deploy the detection and prevention rules above.
For authorized security testing and research only. See the full source and NVD record.